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I am a professional pianist, musician, and political analyst
Eric S.

5.0 (26 ratings)

67 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee
Hourly Rate: $40
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About Eric

Bio

Music:

I have been playing music since I was 4, and spent a solid chunk of my early adulthood playing music as my primary source of income. I can teach you anything you could ever want to know about playing the piano or music theory, and I also teach music appreciation courses.

Academics:

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs from Eastern Michigan University, with a minor in Spanish. I also earned the credits for a B.S. in Philosophy. The focus of my political...

Music:

I have been playing music since I was 4, and spent a solid chunk of my early adulthood playing music as my primary source of income. I can teach you anything you could ever want to know about playing the piano or music theory, and I also teach music appreciation courses.

Academics:

I have a Bachelor of Science degree in International Affairs from Eastern Michigan University, with a minor in Spanish. I also earned the credits for a B.S. in Philosophy. The focus of my political studies was the politics and social movements of Latin America, and my central area of philosophical interest was Eastern Philosophy.

I have over 2 years of experience tutoring adults in social studies, humanities, and music, including adults with cognitive disabilities and mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. These experiences have given me the gift of patience. Most of my tutoring experience has been 1-on-1. A principle I always applied: try to guide the student to the answer, such that it occurs to them independently, rather than giving them the answer directly.

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Education

Eastern Michigan University
Political Science
Eastern Michigan University
Graduate Coursework

Additional Languages

Spanish

Policies

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Chess

Chess

I learned to play chess at the age of 4. At one time, around age 9, I studied extremely diligently and dreamed of becoming a professional. While I did not pursue this, chess has been a wonderful mind-sharpening tool for me over the years. The highlight of my chess career was defeating a young master while I played the black pieces.
Ear Training

Ear Training

When I was 15, a man showed me how to truly "listen" to music and apply it to an instrument, rather than merely "hearing" it. Before that day, I could not play by ear. By that same night, I was piecing together 1920s tunes in my head and playing them on the keyboard with almost no effort. That day changed my life, and I have played by ear ever since. I've learned a lot of music off of records, and have learned jazz tunes in real time while playing with a group, just by listening.
General Music

General Music

I started playing music at age 4, started playing professionally at 13, and have 20+ years of musical experience. I can read music and play by ear. I have a very strong grasp of music theory. I play the piano, acoustic & electric guitar, bass, and harmonica.
Guitar

Guitar

I've played music since age 4, and my knowledge of music principles and music theory are very advanced. I have played the guitar for several years, and grew up with a guitarist father in the home. I own 4 guitars, including a Fender 12-string and an electric guitar. While I am not a professional guitarist, my multiple years of guitar experience combined with 20+ years of music experience qualify me to teach beginner and intermediate-level guitar students.
Music History

Music History

I've been playing music since the age of 4. I've played music for a living most of my adult life. I have a very broad and deep knowledge of the history of music around the world, from ancient music, pre-Baroque medieval music, to Bach, through the European classical tradition up to "modernist' composers like Stravinsky. I've also studied the Indian and Middle Eastern classical traditions, and have totally immersed myself in the musical tradition of Latin America. I have also carefully studied the American music tradition, from pre-independence through the modern era. I've performed at historical re-enactment festivals for turn-of-the-century music.
Philosophy

Philosophy

I completed all of the credits necessary for a B.A. in Philosophy, but chose not to stay at college to complete the electives necessary for a 2nd degree. I have a good understanding of Western Philosophy, including Philosophy of Science, Logic, and Metaphysics. I'm aware of the basic outline of the history of Western philosophy, as well. My areas of greatest knowledge are Political Philosophy and Eastern Philosophy, particularly Buddhism and Taoism.
Piano

Piano

I've been playing the piano since I was 4 years old. It is my biggest passion in life. I am primarily self taught and play by ear, although I can read sheet music fluently. Around age 10 I started to perform ragtime and early jazz music, such as the music of Scott Joplin. At 16 I began appearing as a paid performer at ragtime & early jazz festivals throughout the United States, including in Michigan, Wisconsin, Missouri, California, and elsewhere. For most of my late teens and early 20s, I branched out significantly, playing not only jazz but rock, blues, pop, alternative, classical, and other styles. Playing the piano in concert halls, bars, coffee houses, private parties, and other venues was my main source of income. I would love to help anyone who is interested in music discover their potential.
Political Science

Political Science

I have a B.S. in International Affairs, spending 4 years of my life completely immersed in the study of how and why governments & human societies work. For many years before and after my formal studies, I've been a dedicated student of politics, studying history, psychology, political philosophy, and current events.
Songwriting

Songwriting

I've been a musician for over 20 years. I love to write songs on my acoustic guitar and on the piano. I've composed in many different styles, and I have a strong background in music theory and harmony that guides my ear. I can help you break down a song in any genre, understand what makes the song sound good to you, and figure out how to bring your favorite sounds and influences into your own unique voice, without copying or ripping off anybody.
Yoga

Yoga

I have practiced yoga for several years, and have also studied it closely. I lived in southeast Asia for half a year, at the intersection of Buddhism and Hinduism, where I studied both meditation and yoga under the tutelage of monks. I also run a small yoga business, and I am creating an English-Sanskrit Asana dictionary. I think this background will help me impart the meaning and purpose behind each pose to my students.
American History
Government & Politics
Music Theory
Spanish
Vocabulary
World History
Eric S.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

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5.0 (26 ratings)
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Reviews

Intuitive, warm, knowledgeable, enthusiastic

I have wanted to learn to play piano by ear for years, rather than reading music. In one lesson, he helped me understand some musical ideas that helped me unlock a more free form way of playing the very next day.

Cydney, 14 lessons with Eric

Generous and skillful

Eric is quite good at teaching the piano because he taught me what I wanted to learn in my first lesson with him. I have learned a lot in this one-hour-lesson. He taught me chords and how to use Circle of Fifths to transpose to different keys. He also gave me a couple of very important advice on how to play the piano with ease, which very few of the online teacher teaches. Eric is also very accommodating about scheduling lessons, and I appreciate it very much. I am looking forward to my next lesson with Eric.

Ling, 5 lessons with Eric

A good quick intro

I wanted a basic overview of meditation and Eric did a great job. He had some good analogies and provided an overview. He also listened to what I was looking to learn and my questions. Looking forward to the next session!

Simon, 12 lessons with Eric
Hourly Rate: $40
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